Public Programs Facilitator

Field Museum • Chicago, IL

19h • $23 • Onsite

About The Position

Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history. The Public Programs Facilitators lead in-person educational programming and operations within the Field Museums Sue Ling Gin Center for Education and Public Programs. The primary responsibility of these part-time term positions is to independently host public engagement opportunities associated with select Field Museum exhibitions. This position is defined as term, and will be active from approximately May 4, 2026 - April 11, 2027. Select candidates will be invited to participate in Group Interviews held in early April 2026 at the Field Museum. All candidates must be available for a general training schedule during the weeks of May 3 - May 17. Accommodations may be available. This position will independently lead a variety of educational programs, including a formal, ticketed tour through the permanent exhibition Evolving Planet. These programs and tours explore: 1) Real fossils, and how these specimens can help scientists learn more about adaptations and behavior of extinct wildlife. 2) Methods scientists use to study fossil specimens. 3) How we can draw connections between animals today to find a better understanding of related species both real and imagined. Public Programs Facilitators will also learn and accurately describe the exhibition sections and themes to museum guests, and help direct guests to specific exhibition areas that may help them explore their own questions further. Listening and responding to difficult or challenging questions and statements with sensitivity, respect, accuracy, and care is required for this position. Program Goals: Welcome and interact with museum guests in an approachable, upbeat, and professional manner. Guide museum guests through structured conversations related to animal evolution, adaptation, fossilization, and extinction. Encourage critical thinking to find and explore connections between real fossil specimens. Inspire curiosity about the natural world through interactive discussions and hands-on activities. This position requires active attention and consistent verbal communication in a fast-paced environment. Staff will utilize tablet computers and projectors to access and display media. Staff will facilitate tours, handle delicate objects, facilitate and care for real fossils, and operate digital storytelling tools. Training will be provided. Moderate lifting and transporting of items up to 15 pounds will be commonplace. Accommodations may be available. This position requires shifts during the 9:30am - 4:00pm timeframe. Full day shifts include a 30-minute unpaid break. Schedules may include regular weekend and holiday scheduling. Individual, customized schedules may be available.

Requirements

• This position works directly with the general public, K-12 students, and Field Museum members, partners, and supporters.
• Must enjoy welcoming, engaging, and interacting with individuals and groups of all ages in a fast-paced environment.
• Candidates must possess the ability to read an audience through formal teaching, stage performance, or equivalent experience.
• Candidates must enjoy independently hosting and proactively engaging with museum guests of all ages in a friendly and professional manner.
• Candidates must be comfortable, adaptable, and professional in learning about and discussing the topic of paleontology, the diversity of the animal kingdom, and the natural history of various species found within the fossil record.
• A degree in, or coursework towards, or a background in biology, ecology, environmental science, communication, education, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead and facilitate tours and related programming associated with the Field Museum exhibition Evolving Planet.
• Actively communicate with museum guests appropriately and professionally.
• Monitor, care for, and store items, specimens, and materials related to the exhibition and active programming.
• Ongoing reading, research, and program development as assigned.
• Support other Education and Public Programs initiatives, including but not limited to: The Grainger Science Hub, the Crown Family PlayLab, Field Trips, or other programming as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed